FASD awareness

Mr. Editor:
We are writing this letter to bring awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is an umbrella term that describes a range of disabilities that occur as a direct result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
The Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre would like to make the public aware that Sept. 9 is designated as FASD Day.
You are invited to share in the “Minute of Reflection” at 9:09 a.m. on Sept. 9.
In this magical moment the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month we want to get out the message that in nine months of pregnancy, while breastfeeding or planning to conceive, women should not drink alcohol.
In this minute, we also want the world to remember those millions of people around the world who are living with Fetal Alcohol Disorders.
Participants can do many things to observe this special minute in accordance with their own cultural background or religious beliefs. The “Minute of Reflection” symbolizes the worldwide circle of community which links those who care about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, all of who are trying to help children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Disorders reach their full potential.
Here are a few suggestions for observing the “Minute of Reflection”: sit outside quietly and listen to the birds, the wind blowing through the trees, sing a song, place a call to a special friend, a moment of silence, etc.
Each person with FASD is different and those of us who love them respect their differences. Respecting each other while working together is what FASD is about.
“The Journal of the Centre for Families, Children and the Courts” writer, Kathryn Page Ph.D., states that Prenatal Alcohol Exposure impairs the ability “to do life”—to use common sense, to solve problems, and to act appropriately in personal, social and community situations (“also know as adaptive behaviour”)–even more than it affects IQ.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its effects are 100 percent preventable—as long as the mother doesn’t drink while pregnant.
We would also like to thank Shopper’s Drug Mart, Safeway Pharmacy, Pharmasave, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, RBC Royal Bank, Toronto Dominion Bank, Northern Lights Credit Union, Weechi-it-te-win Family & Children’s Services, Couchiching Band Office, Northwestern Health Unit, United Native Friendship Centre, Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary, Family & Children’s Services, Sunset Country Métis, Anishinabeg Community Counselling Services, Wal-Mart, Health Canada First Nations & Inuit Health and the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre for letting us put baskets with Smarties in with the slogan: “Be Smart—Don’t Drink While Pregnant!”
For more information, please call the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre at 807-274-3131.
Thank You,
Brenda McPherson ECE,
Lindy Beninger, ECE,
Aboriginal FAS/FAE &
Child Nutrition Program